COVID-19 Update in 8B

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is sharing two updates in relation to COVID-19.   

The hospital is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 on an inpatient unit specializing in haematology/oncology (8B). There is only one patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in relation to this outbreak – the same patient diagnosed over the weekend. However, the patient’s parents and a member of the patient’s clinical team have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Everyone who has been exposed or suspected to have been exposed has been notified. All patients on the affected unit have tested negative for COVID-19. Staff on the unit continue to be tested. SickKids and Toronto Public Health are actively investigating how the virus was transmitted. All necessary infection prevention and control measures continue to be taken.    

This morning, we identified a second patient who was admitted and tested positive for COVID-19. This case is unrelated to the outbreak on 8B. The patient arrived yesterday and is now in an isolation room and is stable.  

SickKids is working closely with Toronto Public Health; anyone who may have been affected will be contacted directly. Both patients are now being cared for on a unit with dedicated procedures and processes related to these types of patients.   

“While this is certainly not the kind of news we want to be sharing, the fact is we have been fortunate at SickKids thus far – these are our first positive inpatient cases since the pandemic started over six weeks ago,” says Dr. Ronald Cohn, President and CEO of SickKids. “I have full and absolute confidence in our teams here at SickKids and in our ability to continue to provide the best possible care, while protecting the safety of our patients, families and staff.” 

All urgent clinical care is continuing at SickKids and the hospital continues to be a very safe place for patients and families. Families with specific concerns should contact their care teams. 
 
Visit our COVID-19 Information Hub for the most up-to-date information about the COVID-19 situation at SickKids.